Using particle swarm optimization algorithm to search for a power ascension path of boiling water reactors

Abstract

During the power ascension, the operating point is based on core power, core flow, control rod pattern, and concentrations of fission product, such as xenon. The thermal limits and fuel conditioning at the operating point should meet the constraints. ASCENTB is an automatic power ascension path searching program for boiling water reactors. The control rod movement is searched for by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The operating points of one control rod withdrawal sequence are based on the PSO1 or PSO2 strategy. The results of ASCENTB for two selected cycles are comparable with the power plant records.